Asian Paints Names Leo Puri Chairman From January 2027

Asian Paints has announced the appointment of Leo Puri as its next chairman, effective January 23, 2027. The company's board has unanimously approved Puri's appointment as an additional and independent director for a five-year term, subject to shareholder approval.

Puri's tenure as an independent director will begin on September 7, 2026, and continue until September 6, 2031. He will assume the role of chairman after the term of current chairman R. Seshasayee ends on January 22, 2027.

With nearly four decades of experience in the financial services industry, Puri brings extensive corporate and financial expertise to the role. He currently serves as Advisory India Chair at Apax, a global private equity firm, and holds several board positions, including chairman and independent director at Fortis Healthcare, lead independent director at Dr Reddy's Laboratories, and independent director at Madrid-based Amadeus IT Group.

Prior to his current roles, Puri held senior positions at leading global and domestic institutions, including chairman for South and Southeast Asia at JP Morgan Chase, managing director and chief executive officer of UTI Asset Management Company, managing director and general partner at Warburg Pincus, and senior partner at McKinsey & Company.

In addition to his corporate experience, Puri has contributed to various industry and policy initiatives. He currently chairs the Governing Council of the Institute for Sustainability, Employment and Growth, a policy-focused organisation working with central and state governments on areas including renewable energy, smart cities, and employment generation.

Puri's appointment is part of Asian Paints' board succession process, and his experience in financial markets, strategy, and governance is expected to support the company as it navigates changing market conditions and growth opportunities. The appointment will be finalized after receiving approval from shareholders, following which Puri will take over as chairman of one of India's largest paint manufacturers.

The company has recently reported a 39.8% rise in consolidated net profit to ₹1,559.45 crore in Q1 FY27. Asian Paints has also raised prices around 12% amid the West Asia conflict and higher crude-linked raw material costs, which have put pressure on margins.

Puri's leadership and expertise are expected to play a crucial role in guiding the company through these challenging market conditions. With his extensive experience and knowledge, he is well-equipped to support Asian Paints in its continued growth and success.

The appointment of Leo Puri as chairman of Asian Paints is a significant development for the company, and his experience and expertise are expected to have a positive impact on its future growth and success. As one of India's largest paint manufacturers, Asian Paints plays a significant role in the country's economy, and Puri's leadership will be closely watched by investors and industry stakeholders.

In conclusion, the appointment of Leo Puri as chairman of Asian Paints is a significant development for the company, and his experience and expertise are expected to support the company's continued growth and success. With his leadership, Asian Paints is well-positioned to navigate the challenges of the changing market conditions and capitalize on growth opportunities.